Nabi Clears The Air On His Future At Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has addressed the speculations surrounding his future at Naturena
Chiefs are in serious peril of finishing outside the top eight after Glamour boys were held to a 1-1 draw by Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend. The stalemate had serious repercussions on both teams, with the season drawing to a close.
Nabi’s men remained stagnant in position nine on the log standings, having accumulated 31 points from 27 league outings in their quest for a top-eight finish.
Meanwhile, Babina Noko dropped out of the CAF inter-club places as they were leapfrogged by Stellenbosch FC, who moved to third place.
Amakhosi are in desperate need of a change of fortunes in the league, which has seen mounting pressure on Nabi due to the fear of missing out on the top eight for two consecutive seasons. However, the Tunisian mentor says the Nedbank Cup final festivities didn’t overshadow their league duties.
“This [exit] news comes from journalists, not from anywhere [inside the club], but I agree with you that the preparation for this [Sekhukhune] game was not for me. The preparation was for the players after a tough final game,” Nabi said.
“There was big work after the festivities, I thank all the players so much because it’s not easy for them to prepare themselves, but the whole week people were concentrated despite all the festivities and everything. We felt that players were committed to this game.”
On swirling rumors that he is set to leave Chiefs despite guiding the club to a first major trophy in 10 years, Nabi dismissed the reports, stating that the news has brought unwanted interest to his table as he demands full respect from journalists who question his credentials.
“The news is not coming from me, it’s from journalists, please, and this is not respect. Why every time Nabi stay or going, for what? I respect all journalists, and I need all journalists to respect me because this news is bad for me and creates confusion in my team,” the 59-year-old tactician stated.
“This is bad, it’s not correct, it’s not professional. The information is not correct. The whole of Africa is calling me, thinking I am free because I am finished with Kaizer Chiefs, and it’s not correct, please be professional.”
Chiefs will wrap up their campaign at FNB Stadium against a Polokwane City side on Saturday, also gunning for a top-eight berth. Rise and Shine are in seventh place with 33 points amassed as they look to end the season on a high by snapping a five-game winless run.
